November 1st 2024.
In recent years, there has been a lot of criticism towards the younger generation, particularly when it comes to their approach to work. They are often labeled as "lazy" or "demanding", but these stereotypes may not be capturing the full picture. In fact, many young employees are struggling with mental health challenges.
Research has shown that Gen Z and young millennial workers are missing an entire day's worth of work every week due to mental health struggles. According to a study by Vitality, a health and life insurance company, the average worker in the UK feels unable to work for almost 50 days a year. This adds up to a staggering £138 billion loss for the British economy. While only six of these days are taken off as sick leave, the employees who do come to work often struggle to be productive.
The root cause of these performance issues can be linked to poor mental health, including burnout, stress, insomnia, and obesity. Vitality's survey of 4,000 employees and their employers focused on the impact of absences and the productivity of present staff. The results revealed that younger workers, those under the age of 30, reported lower productivity compared to their older colleagues. In fact, Gen Z employees reported an average of 60 days of lost productivity, while Gen X and baby boomers reported only 36.3 days – a stark difference of 64%.
Interestingly, while younger employees tend to have better physical health and are more physically active, they also have significantly higher levels of mental health issues such as burnout and fatigue. The study also found that those under 30 are 224% more likely to suffer from depression compared to their colleagues over 50.
Despite the clear correlation between health and productivity, one in five employees feel that their manager does not care about their well-being. This is especially concerning for those earning less than £30,000 per year, as they are 86% more likely to feel unsupported compared to their higher-earning colleagues. Furthermore, even when companies do offer mental health support for their employees, participation is alarmingly low. Only 25% of employees reported using the provided wellness tools, despite 85% finding them useful.
Lucy Kemp, a future of work expert, believes that the younger generation may be facing more performance issues at work due to the unique challenges they have experienced. She explains, "Gen Z, in particular, has had their formative years shaped by massive upheavals: the financial crisis, a global pandemic, and escalating social and environmental issues. This generation is more attuned to their mental health needs, but they are also facing more stressors than any previous generation." As a result, they may be more likely to take time off work to prioritize their mental well-being, something that older generations were less inclined or able to do.
However, Lucy also warns that missing work due to mental health concerns can lead to feelings of disconnect and isolation. Despite improvements in reducing the stigma around mental health, there is still a long way to go, and many young employees may still be viewed as "not committed" or "lacking resilience" when they take time off. It is essential for companies to recognize and support the mental health needs of their employees, regardless of age or job position. This not only benefits the well-being of employees but also has a significant impact on their productivity and the overall success of the company.
The younger generation of employees, specifically Gen Z, has been receiving a lot of criticism in recent years for their approach to the workplace. They are often labeled as "lazy" or "demanding", but these stereotypes may not accurately reflect the reality. In fact, many young employees are struggling with mental health issues, which can greatly affect their productivity and overall well-being.
According to research, Gen Z and young millennial employees are missing an average of one day's work every week due to mental health struggles. This amounts to almost 50 days a year, which is a significant loss for both the employees and the British economy as a whole. While only six of these days are taken off as sick leave, the employees who do come to work often struggle to perform their tasks effectively.
The main cause of these performance issues is linked to poor mental health, including burnout, stress, insomnia, and obesity. A survey by Vitality, a health and life insurer, focused on the lost time due to absences and the productivity of present staff. The results showed that younger workers, specifically those under 30, reported lower productivity compared to older generations. In fact, Gen Z employees reported an average of 60 days of lost productivity, while Gen X and baby boomers reported 36.3 days, a significant difference of 64%.
Interestingly, while younger employees generally have better physical health and are more physically active, they also have significantly higher levels of mental health issues. This includes burnout, fatigue, and depression, with those under 30 being 224% more likely to suffer from depression compared to their colleagues over 50. These findings highlight the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace and providing support for employees.
Unfortunately, the survey also revealed that one in five employees feel that their manager does not care about their well-being. This is even higher for those earning less than £30,000 per year, with 86% feeling unsupported compared to their higher-earning colleagues. And while some companies do offer mental health support for their employees, the participation rate is alarmingly low, with only 25% of employees using the provided wellness tools.
Lucy Kemp, a future of work expert, explains why younger generations may be facing more performance issues at work. She believes that Gen Z, in particular, has had their formative years shaped by significant upheavals such as the financial crisis, a global pandemic, and social and environmental issues. This has led them to be more aware of their mental health needs, and they are not afraid to prioritize it, even if it means taking time off work. This is something that older generations may not have been inclined or able to do.
However, while it is essential to prioritize mental health, Lucy warns that missing work could also lead to feelings of disconnect and isolation. There is still a stigma around mental health, and many young employees may fear being viewed as "not committed" or "lacking resilience" if they take time off. This is why it is crucial for companies to create a supportive and understanding environment for their employees' mental health needs.
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